Action in your Pocket!

Who didn't played Metal Slug? I bet that the most part of the Vizzed's users have played some of the games of this great saga (Or at least they have heard about it.) Of course, some games of it were ported to the several consoles, But... One of the most famous portable consoles, the Game Boy advance, made by Nintendo. Got a exclusive game for it... The thing that makes this game noticeable, it's that has a new style of game play. Yep, While the rest of the games were focused on "Shoot while running" this game is most focused on Exploration (Well, not at all, because you still have to shoot while running). But, It was a succeful formula? Well, let's see.

Story: Regular army is searching for new recruits... Those who really wants to be part of this Army must pass a task first... Survive in a deserted island. The soldiers in training are send there... Things were going alright, until... Some soldiers started to disappear without leaving any clues. Also, their camps have been invaded and destroyed... Like if someone kidnapped them... Well, That's what happened...  Accidentally, the recruits discovered that the island has been taken by the Rebel army (The enemy). And they kidnapped them. Two young boys decide to help their captured friends. So, they go ahead in a kind of "Special Mission" to free the island and their friends.

Not much of a great story... It's still quite original. But it could have been better and more complete. (8/10)

Graphics: Graphics are same of the Arcade titles, With all their animations. Well, almost all their animations... Nintendo's no violence politic censored some of these. (Like the enemy soldiers burning) which isn't something good. However, these are still smooth and very well animated. (8/10)

Sound: The music used in the game posses a great quality, as usual on this saga. It really puts you in the action of the game. SFX is the same of the arcade titles, However, once again the Nintendo's politic inflicts here... The scream of the enemy soldiers has been censored.
Is something weird hear the soldiers shrugging instead of screaming... But, well. One gets used to this faster. (8/10)

Addictiveness: Not so addictive like the original games... But, it has something that makes you want to play it again. Don't know what... But it has something. (7/10)

Depth: The objective of every stage is get to the end of it... In where you must fight a boss. However, thought the stage there are several POWs (Prisoners Of War) if you free them, they will give you something in exchange. (Like food or Weapons) also, you can find some vehicles that you can ride to help you to destroy your enemies more faster... Here's where the game becomes interesting: Thought the stage, there are Cards... Yes, cards. There are different ways to get them: By shooting at some point of the scenery, By rescuing prisoners, or by accomplishing several tasks. (Like killing a determined number of enemies, By ending a stage, etc.) Some of these give info about the characters or they can upgrade your vehicles and weapons. They aren't easy to find, so you must explore every stage searching for them. Giving a new concept to the game. (9/10)

Difficulty: 1st. Thing you may notice is the Life Bar... "Cool! Now this will be more easier!". Well, not really. Enemies are more faster and intelligent, also, if you kill them. They will reappear if you go back to the point in where they are. Also, Bosses have more lethal and faster attacks... For make it worse. You have only one life. If you lose, you will lose all the cards and all the prisoners you've got thought the stage... The only way to dominate this game is with practice and patience. (8/10)

Final Rating: 8

This is, perhaps, the most complete and challenging game of the saga in my opinion... Sadly, It's considered an underrated game. If you have played all the original Metal Slugs, and you ran out of options... Give a try to this one. It's a nice option to pass the time and have fun.

-Eddy out-